With Norton production on hold, the speculations and “what ifs” are coming out of the woodwork. There’s an article in the London Times Online saying there’s talk Triumph may buy the Norton name and bring it back to life. Triumph is certainly doing pretty well at the moment, could they pull it off? Hard to say, but this probably isn’t the only idea that will float to the surface in the coming days.
According to the May Cycle World article, another $10 million was still needed to get the Commando into first quarter 2007 production. With things on hold, that date may get pushed back a long way while they search for money to make it happen.
Would Kenny Dreer sell everything off and let someone else like Triumph take it from here? Only Dreer can answer that one. Like I said, the ideas are likely to start coming from everywhere now, some crazy, some sound. In the meantime, a lot of Norton fans will be watching with great interest.
Times Online via Riding Sun
The Kneeslider: Norton Motorcycles Suspend Operations
mark says
Triumph buying Norton is a nice idea, but I’d be surprised if it actually happened. Triumph is busy rebuilding its own brand, and although they’ve done an admirable job, it just seems like they haven’t gotten quite big enough yet to dilute their brand.
Should be fascinating to see what happens though, regardless.
AL says
Triumph has it’s own boat to float right now and taking on more tonnage at this time would be a disasterous idea. The marriage was tried once before to no avail. Let us learn from our mistakes. To what avail would such a merger accomplish?? Leave well enough alone!